Nature Preserve Commission

REGULAR ANDOVER OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 10, 2015 MINUTES The Regular Meeting of the Andover Open Space Advisory Commission was called to order by Chairperson Gretchen Sabel at 7:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Kim Kovich, Jim Myers, and Bruce Perry Commissioners absent: Aaron Jarson, Jim Olson, and Suzanne Van Hecke Also present: David Carlberg, Community Development Director RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 13, 2015 The minutes could not be considered for approval due to lack of a quorum of those present. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION UPDATE Mr. Carlberg provided an update on staff’s efforts to pursue the acquisition of an additional 7-8 acres of open space property east of Hanson Boulevard NW and north of 161st Avenue NW. He noted we are down to $80,000 in funds. The 30 acre purchase was made from Selmer and 14 acres from Kuiken bringing the current open space in the area to 44 acres. The adjacent property owner is in no hurry to sell his property. Mr. Carlberg suggested the Commission decide how they would like to proceed. Since only four members were present the Commission may wish to discuss at a future meeting. Commissioner Kovich suggested checking on properties adjacent to North Woods Preserve Open Space and Martin’s Meadows to see if there are properties available. Mr. Carlberg stated he could approach the adjacent property owners. Mr. Carlberg showed the floodplain area in trying to determine potential areas. He noted some of the area around Martins Meadows is in agricultural preserve until 2018. Chairperson Sabel asked if an easement could be purchased. Mr. Carlberg stated he does not believe the funds could be used for conservation easement. Commissioner Kovich asked if some open space could be purchased near one of the undeveloped parks in the City. Mr. Carlberg stated there may be something near Sophie’s Park. He noted there may be other possibilities. He suggested this be sent to the Park and Recreation Commission for suggestions of where they would like to see open space near an existing park. Commissioner Kovich also suggested Kelsey/Round Lake. Mr. Carlberg will speak with Mr. Haas, staff liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Myers asked if there is a need to spend the $80,000. Mr. Carlberg stated there is not an urgent need but no other funding is available. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – June 10, 2015 Page 2 NAMING OF SELMER/BLANCHETTE AND KUIKEN OPEN SPACE Mr. Carlberg referenced the list of current Park names and the City’s Policy for Naming and Renaming of Parks, Park Facilities, and Trails that had been included in the meeting packet. He asked for the Commission’s input on the naming of the recently acquired Selmer/Blanchette property and the Kuiken property. Chairperson Sabel referred the Commissioners to look at the list of parks and the Policy for Naming and Renaming of Parks, Park Facilities, and Trails. Mr. Carlberg noted some parks are/were named according to the development they are located within. Commissioner Kovich stated Fernwood and Maples of Andover were suggested at the last meeting. He stated there are a number of very nice maples in the area and a lot of ferns. Chairperson Sabel stated there is a small creek that runs through the area. Commissioner Kovich stated the creek actually had a name on google-earth. The creek is called Mahoney Brook. Other suggestions were: Fernsedge, something with Maple or Fern, Maple Glen, Maple Hurst, Maple Cops, Maple Meadows, Maple Savannah, Fern Woods, Maple View, and Maple Vista. Motion by Commissioner Myers, Second by Commissioner Kovich, to recommend Maple View to the City Council as the new name for the Selmer/Blanchette and Kuiken Open Space. Motion passed 4-0. ANDOVER FAMILY FUN FEST Mr. Carlberg reviewed the updated handouts and maps that are to be used at the Andover Family Fun Fest booth that will be held July 10 and 11, 2015. It was noted this booth will be shared with the Parks and Recreation Commission and located adjacent to the City Council booth just south of the City Hall, which is the same location as last year. Mr. Carlberg noted the map will be updated to reflect the new name of the Open Space once Council approves the new name. Display boards will be available for the Fun Fest to provide information to residents on the Open Space properties within the City. The Planning and Zoning Commission will also be involved with the City booths this year. Trails within the Open Space areas are indicated on the visitor information display board. Smaller maps will be available to hand out to attendees. Chairperson Sabel suggested the rules be printed on the handout maps. Mr. Carlberg showed the signs posted at the entrance to the Open Space areas and stated it may be better just to have the signs at the entrances. Chairperson Sabel asked about the gathering of plants, berries, etc. This has not been discussed previously. Chairperson Sabel was concerned that people may gather plants for their gardens. Commissioner Kovich stated he does not believe it would be an issue and may be a draw to the Open Space by berry pickers, mushroom hunters, etc. Regular Open Space Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – June 10, 2015 Page 3 Chairperson Sabel suggested on the back of the maps there would be the listing of how to have fun in open space areas without disturbing nature. The Commission will work on that listing in the future. Handouts will be available such as “Protecting your Open Space, Safeguarding Open Space in Andover A Citizen’s Guide” and “Name That Open Space”. Mr. Carlberg reviewed the sign-up sheet for Fun Fest booth coverage. Parking passes will be distributed to Commissioners for parking during Fun Fest. Commission shirts should be worn along with name badges. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next Meeting: July 8, 2015 Noted. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kovich, Second by Commissioner Perry, to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. Motion passed 4-0. Respectfully submitted, David Carlberg Community Development Director Drafted by: Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary